Europe's mining industry faces a critical challenge: the efficient and sustainable recovery of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) from increasingly complex and low-grade ores. As industries transition toward greener and more resilient supply chains, innovation in resource efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability becomes essential. 

The OPTIMINER project, funded under Horizon Europe, unites 19 partners from Europe and Chile to develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance CRM recovery, optimize resource use, and reduce environmental impact. Over the next 48 months, the project will deliver a comprehensive framework integrating AI, digital tools, and sustainable mining practices to ensure the long-term resilience of Europe's mining sector. 

Project Objectives and Key Focus Areas 

OPTIMINER’s approach is structured around five key pillars: 

  • REMINER – Advances CRM recovery technologies, including smart ore sorters, bioleaching, phytomining, and membrane-based hydrometallurgical processes. 
  • DIGIMINER – Develops a digital platform for smart monitoring, featuring a Decision Support System (DSS) and an AI-powered Virtual Miner for real-time data insights. 
  • ECOMINER – Enhances sustainability through resource optimization, energy-efficient solutions, waste valorization, and toxicity management strategies. 
  • DEMOMINER – Showcases pilot demonstrators across Spain, Greece, Poland, Finland, and Chile, recovering CRMs such as magnesium, tungsten, neodymium, copper, cobalt, and coking coal. 
  • GLOBEMINER – Focuses on market uptake, stakeholder engagement, and policy integration, promoting EU-Chile strategic cooperation in sustainable mining practices. 

By combining AI-driven technologies, digital twins, and environmental sustainability, OPTIMINER aims to redefine the future of CRM recovery while fostering a circular economy in mining. 

LIBRA AI Technologies’ Role 

In OPTIMINER, LIBRA AI Technologies is responsible for the development of an AI-driven Decision Support System (DSS) that will allow mining professionals to monitor and optimize CRM recovery processes in real time. This system will analyze vast amounts of data collected from mining operations and apply machine learning algorithms to detect inefficiencies, predict outcomes, and recommend optimal recovery strategies. The system will be designed with interactive dashboards and an alert mechanism, making it easy for users to visualize trends and take proactive measures. Additionally, it will integrate with a digital assistant, enabling intuitive communication between operators and AI-powered insights. This tool will serve as a key decision-making hub, ensuring more efficient, data-driven mining operations. 

Beyond process optimization, LIBRA AI is also leading the development of an AI-augmented Market Observatory, which will provide predictive analysis of the CRM market. This system will track and forecast trends in CRM demand, pricing, and availability by incorporating external data sources such as economic indicators, policy developments, and industry reports. Using advanced AI models, the platform will help stakeholders navigate the complexities of CRM supply chains, offering insights into future market conditions and investment opportunities. The Market Observatory will enhance resilience in the mining sector by enabling companies and policymakers to make informed decisions based on transparent and data-driven projections. 

By integrating AI into both operational and strategic decision-making, LIBRA AI Technologies is helping to shape the future of sustainable mining. The tools developed in OPTIMINER will empower the industry to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and strengthen Europe’s CRM supply chain for a more resilient and sustainable future. 

Kick-off and Next Steps 

OPTIMINER officially launches in January 2025, marking the beginning of an ambitious initiative to revolutionize CRM recovery in Europe. To set the foundation for the project, partners gathered in Athens, Greece, for a two-day kick-off meeting on January 28-29, 2025, hosted by the project coordinator, ICCS. During this event, consortium members aligned on key objectives, refined the implementation strategy, and established a clear roadmap for the next four years. 

With a strong focus on research, technological innovation, and large-scale demonstrations, OPTIMINER will work towards delivering validated, scalable solutions by December 2028. These advancements will ensure that Europe’s mining sector is equipped with next-generation AI-driven tools for sustainable and efficient resource management, strengthening the region’s raw materials supply chain and reducing environmental impact. 

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